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Updated: September 5, 2025
"Truly, charitable sir," replied Giaffar in a humble tone, "we are distressed merchants, strangers in this city, who have lost our way, and fear to be seized by the watch perhaps carried before the cadi. We beseech thee, therefore, to admit us within thy doors, and Allah will reward thy humanity." "Admit you within my doors! not I, indeed.
"Not so," urged the caliph. "My gardens, my palaces, and my possessions, are no more to me a source of pleasure." "By the sword of the Prophet! Now the caliph appears to be the fool," interrupted the pacha. "Shall we then repair to the Hall of the Ancients, and pass the night in reviving the memory of the wise, whose sayings are stored therein?" continued Giaffar.
"Oh! it is you, then; now take my advice, go in peace. I am now in good humour, and peaceably disposed; but had I fallen in with you to-day, I would have twisted off your necks." "Nay, good Yussuf," replied Giaffar, "we have heard of the unaccountable and mad decree of the caliph, and have called to know how thou hast fared, and if we can be of service to one so hospitable and kind."
"Is it to me you speak, O hadji caliph?" at last stammered out Yussuf. "Yes," replied the caliph, gravely. Giaffar, who stood near his master, then cried out, "Yes, you cowardly shred of a beeldar; and reply quickly, or a sword will be applied to your neck." Yussuf, as if talking to himself, replied, "I hope it will be my own then."
You rail at us as if we harmed you; whereas, you must acknowledge, that every thing, however unfortunate at first appearance, has turned only to thy advantage." "That is true," replied Yussuf; "but still it is through your pernicious omens that I am made to change my trade every day. What am I to be next?" "Is not your trust in God?" replied Giaffar.
"I wish to ascertain," said the caliph to the vizier, "if the unlucky Yussuf has managed to provide for his bacchanalian revels to-night?" "There can be no doubt, O vice-regent of the Prophet," replied Giaffar, "that the young man is seated in the dark, in a most dismal mood, without either wine or kabob, or aught to comfort him."
Haroun caused his sister to be thrown into a well, commanded that Giaffar should lose his head, and ordered every relative of the unfortunate Bermacide to be put to death. The father of the vizier, a venerable old man, respected throughout the empire, which he had long governed, met his fate with the most heroic firmness.
One day, many years ago, when he was still a young man, Giaffar was strolling in the suburbs of Bagdad. Suddenly there fell upon his ear a hoarse cry: some one was calling desperately for help. Giaffar was distinguished among the young men of his own age for his good sense and prudence; but he had a compassionate heart, and he trusted to his strength.
"Allah forbid," replied Giaffar; "I will myself encounter the wrath of this least of dogs, may his grave be defiled." During this parley, their host, who had become more good-humoured in his cups, cast his eyes upon them. "What in the name of Shitan, are you chaps prating and chatting about?" inquired he. Giaffar, perceiving him in a more favourable mood, seized the occasion to speak.
You rail at us as if we harmed you; whereas, you must acknowledge that everything, however unfortunate at first appearance, has turned only to thy advantage." "That is true," replied Yussuf; "but still it is through your pernicious omens that I am made to change my trade every day. What am I to be next?" "Is not your trust in God?" replied Giaffar.
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